You can read every forum and watch countless YouTube videos, but are you really ready to run a successful detailing business? The answer is probably no. There are so many different aspects to detailing, let alone running a business, that they can’t all be learned from sitting behind a computer. A lot of learning comes from experience, but also with proper and professional training. Just like you wouldn’t want to go to a doctor who never went to medical school, you wouldn’t want to go to a detailer who didn’t get proper training. Reading forums and watching videos might be adequate for a weekend warrior, but not a person who wants to take their detailing professionally. Training not only teaches you how to properly use the products and machinery, but also how to properly run a successful business.

First off, training is a good place to “mess up” and try new things. You wouldn’t want to be working on a $100,000 car the first time you try wet sanding. You are working in a controlled environment withprofessionals there to help show you how to properly do things. It’s unrealistic to think you are going to do everything perfect the first time you do it; therefore, training is an ideal setting to get out the kinks in your technique. Then when you leave, you’ll be more confident in your skill set and feel more adept to handle a tricky situation. You can also learn helpful tricks and tips in order to work faster and more efficiently. And they can show you the pros and cons of different machines as well as the countless brands of products on the market. You can find what works best for you and help give you a better idea of what types of things you want to have in your own shop.

Aside from the detailing aspect of training, it is important to learn from professionals or mentors how to properly run and market your business. You can learn how to perfectly polish a car or make an engine bay spotless, but it you can’t market your business and get customers in the door, your business will fail. Training can teach you about Google AdWords and Facebook Ads, which have both shown to be very effective in most markets. Mentors can give you information from their experiences with marketing, so you can have a better idea of what works and what doesn’t work. They can also teach you how to speak professionally with customers on the phone and in person. You will need to have excellent people skills in order to keep your customers coming back. There is also the aspect of incorporating your detailing business and how to plan for your taxes each year. Professionals and mentors can show you what to look for when finding an accountant or CPA, which is an important component of any small business.

A good training program will also teach you about properly managing your funds. With starting a business, your first instinct is to buy everything in sight to ensure that you have absolutely everything you could need. However, all of those products and equipment might not be necessary in the beginning. By training with a professional, you will learn the types of products and tools you will need to start out, so you don’t waste all of your money before you even make your first dollar. The instructor can also show you what products are most time and cost effective. Going to training and using the products in class can take some of the guessing work out of spending money on products that don’t work like they claim to. Also in regards to money, a trainer can assist you in creating a menu for your detailing services and what to charge for each. This depends on your location and targeted market, but training can help give you an idea of what kind of services you want to offer and what an appropriate amount to charge is. Because time is money, an instructor can show you how to work more efficiently so you’re not spending countless hours on one vehicle.

At Fadeaway Detailing, we trained one-on-one with Renny and Diane Doyle of Attention to Details and Detailing Success. This week long training program taught us the complete ins and outs of the detailing industry, from detailing to managing our business. We learned washing techniques, sanding and polishing, head light restoration, and coatings, just to name a few. We also learned numerous tips and tricks of the trade to help with our efficiency as well as marketing techniques. We were taught what to do when tax season rolls around and how to choose a qualified CPA. Learning in the shop of one of the best detailers in the world was definitely an invaluable experience that has helped shape our way of detailing and helped our business grow.

Training is key component of any detailer’s success. Having someone in person show you how to do something and then critique your technique is something that can’t be learned from watching YouTube. It gives you a safe environment to try out different things and show you how to work more efficiently. Training will make you feel more confident in your skill set and any client who sees that you got professionally trained will probably feel more comfortable leaving their vehicle in your hands. It can also give you a look into what goes on behind the office doors of your detail shop. As a business owner, you need to know about marketing, record keeping, and how to cost effectively buy products. Because the industry is ever evolving, no matter your experience level, there will always be more to learn and master.